Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDehydrated
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Dehydrated plum (dried prunes) in Denmark is primarily an import-supplied, shelf-stable dried fruit product for household consumption and food ingredient use. UN Comtrade data via WITS indicates Denmark imported dried prunes (HS 081320) worth about USD 5.19 million (about 1,054.7 tonnes) in 2023, with Chile as the largest reported supplier. As an EU market, Denmark applies EU-wide food safety, additives, and labelling requirements for products placed on the market, with risk-based official controls and RASFF notifications used to manage non-compliance. Denmark also shows some intra-Nordic redistribution, with trade flows reported from Denmark to neighbouring markets such as Finland and Sweden.
Market RoleNet importer (EU consumer market with some intra-EU/Nordic redistribution)
Domestic RoleImported, shelf-stable dried fruit used for direct consumption, baking, and food manufacturing ingredients
SeasonalityYear-round availability due to shelf-stable product form and continuous import flows.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Common commercial presentations include whole prunes (unpitted) and pitted prunes.
- Buyer specifications commonly screen for defects such as mold, insect infestation, foreign material, and decay.
Compositional Metrics- Moisture control is a key quality parameter; published grade standards for dried prunes include maximum moisture limits by grade/packaging context.
Grades- Published grade references exist for dried prunes (e.g., Grade A/Fancy, Grade B/Choice, Grade C/Standard in U.S. grade standards), which may be used as a commercial reference point in international trade documentation.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin processor/packer → international transport (often sea/land within Europe) → Danish importer/warehouse → retail and ingredient distribution
Temperature- Ambient, dry storage is typical; moisture ingress and condensation are key quality risks during warehousing and transport.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is strongly affected by moisture control and packaging integrity; elevated moisture can increase mold risk and trigger non-compliance.
Risks
Food Safety HighDenmark applies EU food safety enforcement for imported dried prunes; consignments that are non-compliant (e.g., pesticide residues above EU MRLs, undeclared/unauthorised additive use, or contamination concerns) can face detention, border rejection, market withdrawal, and/or RASFF notification.Use supplier approval with documented HACCP controls, run pre-shipment residue testing against EU MRLs, verify additive legality and labelling (including sulphites if used), and monitor RASFF for emerging issues relevant to dried fruits.
Regulatory Compliance MediumLabelling non-compliance (including allergen presentation requirements under EU food information rules) can trigger relabelling, withdrawal, or enforcement action in Denmark.Validate Danish-market label artwork against Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 requirements (including ingredient list and allergen emphasis) and ensure Danish-language readability expectations are met for products marketed in Denmark.
Supply Chain MediumSupplier concentration increases exposure to origin-specific supply shocks; UN Comtrade/WITS reports Chile as the largest supplier of dried prunes to Denmark in 2023.Diversify approved origins/suppliers (including intra-EU distributors and multiple non-EU origins where feasible) and maintain safety stock policies aligned to lead times.
Standards- HACCP-based food safety management (EU hygiene framework)
- BRCGS Food Safety (buyer/retailer audit standard)
- IFS Food (buyer/retailer audit standard)
- ISO 22000 (food safety management systems)
FAQ
Who are the main reported suppliers of dried prunes to Denmark?UN Comtrade data via WITS reports Chile as the largest supplier of dried prunes (HS 081320) to Denmark in 2023, followed by suppliers such as Poland, the United States, the Netherlands, and Germany.
What HS code is typically used to classify dried prunes (dehydrated plums) for customs purposes?The HS 6-digit code commonly used is 081320, which is defined as “prunes, dried” in the UN Statistics Division HS classification detail.
What are the key EU compliance areas for dried prunes sold in Denmark?Key compliance areas include EU food information/labelling requirements (Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011), EU food additive authorization and conditions of use where additives are present (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008), pesticide residue limits and monitoring (Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 framework), food hygiene/HACCP-based procedures (Regulation (EC) No 852/2004), and risk-based official controls that can lead to RASFF notifications for serious issues (Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and RASFF).